AFCON Semis: Phillips predicts close contest between Nigeria and Morocco 

Shina Phillips, President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, has predicted a tightly contested semi-final fixture between Nigeria and Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat. Both teams have performed strongly throughout the tournament, each winning their quarter-final matches 2-0 — Morocco against Cameroon and Nigeria against Algeria.

The semi-final match between  Super Eagles  and Atlas Lions at  the  Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday is set to be highly competitive with neither side likely to give ground easily.  But  Phillips believes the Super Eagles hold some advantage despite Morocco’s experienced squad having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, a historic feat for an African team.

“ This is a high stake  match  and I know both the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions will be  at their best  for this encounter on Wednesday ,” Phillips told NationSport. “ Frankly, it is difficult to predict  the likely result  of the  match based on the strength  of what the two teams have done so far  in the competition  but  even at that, I think  Nigeria have all the aces.” 

According to Phillips,  Nigeria has the motivation factor, aiming to prove their quality after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that this AFCON is a platform for Nigeria to demonstrate what the world will be missing in the coming World Cup. 

“ Without any  doubt ,  both teams have something  to proof  and I think  the Super Eagles will be motivated  for obvious reasons,” he continued.“ How  do you explain that  such a talented Nigerian team won’t be  at the next World Cup  as such this AFCON  is an opportunity to show  what the  world  will be missing in June.” 

Incidentally, both coaches, Eric Sekou Chelle (Nigeria) and Walid Regragui (Morocco), have shown tactical intelligence throughout the tournament, making the semi-final more than just a game of football but a strategic duel. 

Phillips has equally  praised Coach Chelle for improving Nigeria’s tactical discipline, confidence, and attacking commitment. 

Nigeria’s recent 2-0 victory over Algeria to enter the semifinals was hailed as an important morale booster for Nigerians, especially after missing out on the World Cup. 

Phillips expressed belief that winning the AFCON would go some way to compensating Nigerian fans for their World Cup absence.